HISTORIC CONFERENCE OF “PERIYAR BLOSSOMS”

Periyar Blossoms receiving the children books, released by Asiriyar K.Veeramani.

Not only in the history of the Movement but even in the history of the society, a golden chapter was made on 29th September 2018 when children (Periyar Pinjugal) met in a conference and made a declaration of their own which in fact is born out of scientific thinking and is applicable to the entire mankind, Asiriyar K.Veeramani announced that the declaration would be translated into English and forwarded to the United Nations. When completed is speech crowning the declaration the applause took a long time to subside.

As soon as registrations were over, the Science Exhibition was declared open by V. Anburaj, in the presence of Kali Poonkunran. The exhibition, a product of pupils of both the gender belonging to Periyar Educational Institutions filled the onlookers with a new impetus and confidence in the younger generation. The way in which the children made commentary on their production in simple language won the admiration of everyone, including special invitees. If such exhibitions, were held oftener all over the state, it would make a welcome impact on students, teachers and the public.

There were a number of events like singing, dancing, poetry reading and platform speaking in which children displayed their talents. A highlight of the conference was the interaction of the renowned psychiatrist Dr. Shalini with children in which she cleared all their doubts in a simple language. Variety entertainments like one act plays, dances and Villupattu which followed, were a feast to the eyes and ears.

Veteran Satyaraj, who donned the role of Periyar in the famous film ‘PERIYAR’ made an impressive speech, interspersed with his characteristic humour, on the need for children developing confidence in their own abilities and freeing themselves from superstitions.

The grand rally of children held earlier started at 5 p.m. from the conference venue, in rows of two, each child carrying a small sized flag of Dravidar Kazhagam. The children, looking like butterflies, marched through the bus stand, past Periyar statue and reached the open air auditorium in a disciplined maner. The public who looked on with admiration greeted them cheerfully all through the route. Asiriyar K. Veeramani, who garlanded Periyar statue, waved at the procession from the upper storey.

At the end of conference, the participants left with a bright hope for a bright future.

THE DECLARATION BY “PERIYAR BLOSSOMS”

Blossoms – Radiating Cheer

Epoch making resolutions were passed in the Children’s (Periyar Pinjugal) Conference held at Dindigul on 29th September 2018. As per the law, our children acquire mental maturity only at the age of eighteen. That is the reason children below 18 need a guardian. They get voting right only after the completion of 18 years of age. When that is the law, how can children be stamped as belonging to a religion or caste.

Is it not proper to wait till they complete 18 and then offer them the right to choose their religion and caste or reject religion or caste altogether? Is it not part of human rights? Their basic appeal was not to stamp them with religion or caste and permit them just to announce themselves as human beings.

This must also be added to the Constitution as part of religious freedom.

They should not be compelled to be in a caste or follow a religion just to fulfil their parents’ desire.

Elders are required to correct themselves. Children should not be taken to places of worship

Schools should not impose religion on children

Just as child marriage is wrong, so is child religion.

A new Act must be enacted to prevent these practices.

The decision which must be taken by them at the age of eighteen should not be imposed on them in childhood.

This practice is also contrary to human rights.

A declaration is made through this conference.

It is declared that children do not have any religion or caste.

Even when laws exist, they are not allowed to function in the following areas.

Child marriages / Forcing children into beggary / Sexual abuse on children / Abduction of children

Those who indulge in these actions must meet with fast punishment, which alone can act as a strong deterrent.

Various problems faced by children can be aired in parliament and legislatures only if the Bill providing for 33 per cent of reservation for women is woken from slumber and passed forthwith.

Children’s back should not be broken with loads of books

Children should not be made scared of learning or education.

Children should not be compared as bright and dull. After all, the purpose of education is to make diamonds out of pebbles.

Children must not be chased to schools at the tender age of two or three

Parents, teachers or any other person for that matter must not resort to physical punishment of children.

Children should be drawn towards education through artistic play way methods including singing and dancing.